Bell Atlantic Responds to FCC's Pay Phone Order

September 24, 1996

Bell Atlantic Responds to FCC's Pay Phone
Order

The Federal Communications Commission late last week announced new
rules
governing the pay phone industry in accordance with the
Telecommunications Act of 1996. These rules are designed to create a
level playing field and ensure fair compensation for companies that
provide pay phone service. The following response statement may be
attributed to Edward D.
Young III, Vice President-External Affairs and
Associate General Counsel, Bell Atlantic Corp.

We commend the FCC in its order restructuring the pay phone industry.
Clearly, the Commission's ground rules support the vision of Congress
in the Telecommunications Act of 1996 of a fully competitive pay phone
marketplace that creates more choices for consumers.

We are pleased the FCC recognized the need for regulatory parity in
this industry. It's particularly important that market forces replace
regulation for all participants in this industry as competition
increases.

We are still reviewing the FCC pay phone rules. But on balance, Bell
Atlantic believes the order creates an opportunity to grow our pay
phone business and serve our customers better.

Bell Atlantic Corporation (NYSE:
BEL) is at the forefront of the new
communications, entertainment and information industry. In the
mid-Atlantic region, the company is the premier provider of local
telecommunications and advanced services. Globally, it is one of the
largest investors in the high-growth wireless communication
marketplace. Bell Atlantic also owns a substantial interest in
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand and is actively developing
high-growth national and international business opportunities in all
phases of the industry.

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Media contact:

Ells Edwards (302) 576-5340
ellsworth.edwards@bell-atl.com